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Vitamin C and Skin Regeneration: New Research Reveals How It Thickens Skin via Epigenetic Changes
Paula Gallagher on
We’ve long known that Vitamin C is a skincare powerhouse—famous for its antioxidant protection and its role in collagen production. But emerging research reveals that this essential nutrient does even more than brighten your complexion or neutralize free radicals. It may actually rebuild your skin from the inside out by influencing how skin cells grow and regenerate—through a genetic mechanism called DNA demethylation.
The New Science: How Vitamin C Stimulates Skin Regrowth at the Genetic Level
A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that Vitamin C helps thicken aging or thinning skin by activating key genes involved in keratinocyte proliferation—the cells that make up the outermost layer of your skin. This occurs via epigenetic changes, specifically DNA demethylation, which essentially “turns on” skin-rebuilding genes.
“Vitamin C helps thicken the skin by encouraging keratinocyte proliferation through DNA demethylation, making it a promising treatment for thinning skin, especially in older adults.”
— Dr. Akihito Ishigami, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology
Inside the Study: Vitamin C and Skin Cell Proliferation
Using a lab-grown model of human skin, researchers exposed skin cells to Vitamin C at levels comparable to those found in the bloodstream. After 7–14 days, they observed:
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Thicker epidermal layers, indicating increased cell proliferation
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Thinner stratum corneum, suggesting faster cell turnover
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More actively dividing skin cells, marked by the proliferation marker Ki-67
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Increased activity in over a dozen genes tied to skin renewal
What Made These Changes Happen?
The secret lies in TET enzymes—cellular tools that remove methyl groups from DNA. This reactivates genes that support skin regeneration. Vitamin C powers this process by:
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Donating electrons to maintain TET enzyme activity
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Recharging iron ions (Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺) needed for the demethylation cycle
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Supporting expression of over 10,000 skin-regenerating DNA regions
What Is DNA Demethylation and Why It Matters
Think of DNA methylation as a light switch that turns certain genes off. When methyl groups are removed, the switch flips on, allowing genes involved in cell growth, repair, and renewal to activate.
Vitamin C helps this process by:
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Supporting epigenetic reprogramming
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Activating proliferation-related genes in skin cells
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Promoting thicker, stronger skin from within
This study identified over 10,000 regions of DNA that were demethylated after Vitamin C treatment—many of which were directly related to skin cell growth.
Why This Matters for Your Skin Health
If you’re experiencing:
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Thinning or fragile skin with age
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Skin damage from sun exposure
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Slower cell turnover and dull texture
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Interest in longevity-focused skincare
Then this study suggests that Vitamin C isn’t just protective—it’s regenerative. It works on a genetic level to reawaken the skin’s natural capacity to rebuild.
How to Support Skin Regeneration with Vitamin C
To optimize your skin's health and regeneration:
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Oral supplementation - Choose buffered Vitamin C or liposomal forms for better absorption
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Topical Vitamin C serums - Apply daily to support collagen synthesis and skin clarity
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Synergistic nutrients - combine with zinc, bioflavonoids, and other antioxidants for enhanced results
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Eat Vitamin C–rich foods - Strawberries, bell peppers, citrus fruits, broccoli
Vitamin C has always been a cornerstone of skincare, but we now know it also activates the genes that help your skin regenerate from within. Through the power of epigenetics, it strengthens and rebuilds, offering a science-backed path to healthier, younger-looking skin.
Support Skin Health from Within
If you're struggling with thinning skin, slow regeneration, or just want to build a more resilient skin barrier, our integrative nutritionists and wellness experts are here to help.
→ Book a personalized consultation to discover what your skin really needs—inside and out.
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PATHWAY
Buffered C W/ Citrus Bioflavonoids
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$43.39
$61.99
Easy on Sensitive Stomachs
Vitamin C plays an important role in supporting immune health. As a potent antioxidant, it also helps combat cellular damage from free radicals caused by oxidative stress. Vitamin C is also a key nutrient involved in the synthesis of collagen. Because vitamin C can cause GI upset, Buffered C is buffered with calcium and magnesium to gently deliver vitamin C as a non-acidic form. Citrus bioflavonoids are added to this formula for enhanced antioxidant support.
Suggested Use: 1 tablet daily
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PATHWAY
Liposomal C
No reviews
$30.09
$42.99
Vitamin C plays numerous roles in our body but it primarily acts as an antioxidant, an electron donor that neutralizes free radicals and promotes healthy oxidative stress response. This, in turn, supports healthy cellular energy production which has a ripple effect on multiple systems within the body.
The liposomal technology used to formulate Liposomal C gives it superior bioavailability and makes it easier than ever to obtain this critical antioxidant. In traditional forms of supplemental vitamin C, bioavailability is limited by how much the intestines and kidneys can absorb. Liposomal C goes straight into the bloodstream where it can quickly and effectively be absorbed.
Additional benefits include:
Supporting healthy oxidative stress response
Promoting healthy immune function
Promoting healthy nervous system function
Supporting collagen synthesis
Promoting healthy cognitive function
Supporting neuronal integrity
Supporting healthy cortisol balance
Recommendations:Shake well. Take one teaspoon (5 mL) daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
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NATURES SECRET
Vitamin C Toning Mist
No reviews
$15.99
$19.99
Tone, protect & nourish with this antioxidant-rich, hydrating shield perfect for your face, neck, chest & arms. Brightening vitamin C joins with hydrating Tremella Mushroom, Sodium PCA & Polyglutamic Acid to leave your skin soft & glowing.
HighlightsVitamin C – Works to brighten and smooth the appearance of the skin while defending against aging free radicals.
Tremella Mushroom – Also known as the silver ear mushroom, this moisture binding active leaves skin plump and hydrated.
Hesperidin – A plant flavonoid that has been shown to help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration while providing antioxidant support.
Sodium PCA – A naturally occurring humectant, Sodium PCA helps bind moisture to the skin, dramatically improving skin hydration.
Milk Thistle – Consists mainly of silymarin and fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that calms the appearance of redness and irritation.
Ginkgo Biloba – Contains high amounts of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that works to reduce the appearance of redness & discoloration.
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MAD HIPPIE
Vitamin C Serum
No reviews
$27.19
$33.99
With Konjac Root, Ferulic & Hyaluronic Acid
More Actives. More Results.
Vegan
Cruelty Free
Why Konjac Root?
This exotic Asian flower softens & smoothes the skin and is rich in vitamins & nutrients.Why Ferulic Acid?Found in the cell walls of plants, ferulic acid has a compounding antioxidant effect when combined with vitamins C & E.Uplifting antioxidant blend that brightens & smoothes the appearance of skin.Genuine flower power, natural antioxidants & active essentials work hand in hand to help your skin achieve true harmony.
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DERMA E
Vitamin C Intense Night Cream
No reviews
$24.79
$30.99
This luxurious, antioxidant-rich moisturizer delivers restoring overnight protection and supports natural rejuvenation of environmentally stressed skin.
Benefit: Our Vitamin C Night Cream both protects and nourishes your skin while you sleep.
The antioxidant power of Vitamin C makes it one of the most essential skin care ingredients. It rejuvenates skin, making it appear more youthful while reducing signs of aging such as uneven tone, discoloration and fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps guard your skin from the damage that can be caused by the sun’s UV rays. By promoting collagen health, Vitamin C for skin is transformative, creating a complexion that looks bright and vibrant. Our Vitamin C Night Cream both protects and nourishes your skin while you sleep. This Vitamin C face cream uses a stabilized Vitamin C formula that is less likely to degrade before being absorbed by your skin. That’s why our Vitamin C cream delivers restorative moisture and antioxidants to renew the tone, texture and appearance of your skin.
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PLANT THERAPY
Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
No reviews
$13.59
$16.99
Treat yourself to a gorgeous glow with our Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. Vitamin C has a number of wonderful benefits for your skin. It can help reduce the effects of sunburn and photoaging from exposure to UV rays. This serum, with the added benefits of hyaluronic acid, also helps promote an even, smooth complexion and helps with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This luxurious serum helps keep your skin moisturized and radiant.
Hydrating and brightening
Get a gorgeous glow
Protects against free radicals
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DERMA E
Vitamin C Concentrated Serum Mini
No reviews
$18.39
$22.99
C the glow with our pure, potent, and clinically proven Vitamin C Concentrated Serum. It melts deep into cells to improve overall skin health with a unique formula with two types of Vitamin C, including C-Ester.
Benefits:
The essential first step in restoring a youthful glow
Brightens dark spots
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Boosts collagen production for plump, bouncy, hydrated skin
How to use:
Cleanse face and pat dry.
Use 1-2 pumps of the Vitamin C Concentrated Serum and spread over face and neck until fully absorbed.
Follow up with a moisturizer (and SPF 30+ during the day).
Ingredients:
Stabilized Vitamin C: A concentrated form of Vitamin C that offers potent brightening benefits and has a longer shelf life than non-stabilized forms of Vitamin C.
Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that naturally occurs in our bodies to offer long-lasting hydration and softening properties.
Aloe: The gel extract from this plant helps provide moisture and softens, soothes, and detoxifies skin.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects skin against free-radical damage while restoring skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Panthenol:Helps improve skin elasticity and prevents transdermal water loss.
Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Lactobacillus, Citric Acid, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Allantoin, Panthenol, Cellulose Gum, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexyl glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance Oil.
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